California - Google's self-driving car has begun going around the roads. Google has been testing its new innovation since the beginning of the year. Locals from the United States have seen these test drives, with the car going around the streets driverless. Google car operates via voice command, similar to how the search engine exactly functions.
The small, white, and rounded vehicle can only go at a speed of 25 mph. It also requires a human to ride for monitoring while it drives. Google has commenced the development and product testing of the aforesaid self-driving car six years ago. It was only in March this year when the premiere search service provider announced that the car will hit the streets of California and Mountain View.
The two-seater car operates without user interaction. The Guardian reports that the vehicle does not have a steering wheel or even break pedals. The passengers will only have to press buttons for the car to stop or go. The car also projects on its screen that it can only be taken as a substitute for a cab, and not primarily as a personal car.
The Google car has reportedly been involved in 11 road accidents in six years, none of which were caused by the automatic car, Google claims. All were reported to be minor incidents.
Since then, Google has added even more safety features to the autonomous vehicle. Faced with some criticisms on its ability to function in real road situations and traffic, the self-driving car will have "removable steering wheel, accelerator pedal, and brake pedals" to let a driver take over "when needed," as expressed by Google in its social networking site, Google+.
Google has lobbied for laws to allow automobiles to operate in the streets - being criticized for the car's functionality. Critics also pointed out that the car may be too safe to the point that it can be somehow impractical.
The cars will be available for commercial use in 2017 as announced by Google founder Sergey Brin in 2012.
Find out how Google cars function by watching the video below.
